Village Celebrates Autumn at The Great Pumpkin Party

The Village of Orland Park celebrates autumn with its annual “Great Pumpkin Party,” on Saturday, October 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festivities will be held at the Centennial Park Warming House, 15600 West Avenue, near the ice rink.

“The village enjoys hosting seasonal events that appeal to all ages,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “The Great Pumpkin Party is a nice way for everyone to celebrate the season and enjoy some fun outdoor activities,” he said.

Free and open to all ages, the party includes hayrides, pony rides, roasting marshmallows, a pie eating contest, costumed pet parade, pumpkin patch, crafts, activities, games and DJ music. Attendees are invited to wear Halloween costumes.

“The Recreation Department first offered this event a few years ago and the response was fantastic,” said Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village’s Recreation and Parks Committee. “The village’s pumpkin party brings back traditions that many of us remember from when we were kids,” she said.

Scarecrow building will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Participants should bring old clothes, a hat and panty hose for the head. Straw, string, bags for the heads and directions will be provided.

The Pet Costume Parade will be held at 4:30 p.m., sponsored by Zoe’s Eatz and Treatz. Participants are encouraged to bring their costumed animals for the parade/contest. Prizes will be awarded after the parade for most spooky, most unique, owner/pet look-alike and most trendy.

Bakers Square is sponsoring the village’s annual Pie Eating Contest at 5 p.m. Three age groups, eight to 11 years, 12 to 17 and 18 and older, will compete to see who can eat an entire pie the fastest. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category. Participation is limited and registration will be taken at the event.

Attendees will be able to search for the perfect pumpkin in “the great pumpkin patch” from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pumpkins cost $2.00 each, limit two per family.

Free parking for The Great Pumpkin Party will be available at Centennial Park, entering at West Avenue and Fun Drive. Free parking will also be available at the adjacent 153rd Street train station. Concessions will be available for purchase.

For more information, call the village’s Recreation Department at 708/403-PARK, visit the village’s website at www.orlandpark.org.